This paper considers the benefits of Standard Operating Procedures in the field of emergency response. The terminology is used to describe a procedure or set of procedures to perform a given operation or evolution or in reaction to a given event. There is a popular misconception that SOPs are standardized. However, the very nature of an SOP is that it is not standardized across the full spectrum of emergency response but rather describes the unique operating procedure of an individual unit within that larger element. That the operating procedure in question is said to be “standing” indicates that it is in effect until further notice, at which time it may be amended or dissolved.

SOPs often offer guidance where strategic policy is lacking, or extremely broad. SOPs are often used to provide practical detail to the some-times high level guidance of official doctrine.

Where official doctrine exists, SOPs will usually, at least in general terms, adhere to the official doctrine. However SOPs may on occasion ignore official doctrine, especially when official doctrine is widely believed throughout the service to be out of date, inadequate or incorrect.

The Workshop, on Day Four, will consider the information required to write SOP’s and the manner in which they should be implemented.